Research Assistant Position – RNA Therapeutics for Diabetes Full-time

The TransDEvo lab is seeking an ambitious and highly motivated researcher to lead a translational project aimed at developing a novel RNA-based therapeutic strategy for diabetes. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of RNA therapeutics, pancreatic islet physiology and translational diabetes research, with hands-on exposure to technology transfer, IP strategy and spin-off development. This project is funded by several projects, including an ERC Proof of Concept and a PID grant.

Position: The researcher will establish a screening platform to evaluate antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) modulating alternative splicing in pancreatic beta cells, with the goal to enhance beta cell function and insulin secretion in diabetes. The project includes validation in primary human islets and diabetic mouse models, optimization of beta cell-targeted delivery, and generation of data to support translational advancement. This position offers an exciting opportunity for researchers interested in expanding their profile beyond academia, integrating translational research with innovation management and early-stage spin-off creation.

The Group: The TransDEvo Lab is a multidisciplinary team working at the crossroads of genomics, developmental biology, and evolution, with a strong focus on alternative splicing. We combine computational and experimental approaches to study how cell- and tissue-specific transcriptomes are regulated, how they evolve across cell types, and how their disruption contributes to disease. A dedicated research line focuses on transcriptomic regulation in pancreatic islets and its impact on hormone secretion and metabolism.

Key Responsibilities

• In vitro culture and manipulation of beta cell lines and primary human and mouse islets.
• Molecular biology and gene expression analyses (e.g. RT-PCR, cloning, CRISPR-based approaches).
• Cellular assays related to beta cell physiology (e.g. insulin secretion, stress response and viability).
• In vivo studies of glucose metabolism and toxicity using mouse models.
• Data analysis, interpretation and presentation of results.

What we offer

• A dynamic and collaborative research environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in tech-transfer and business development.
• Exposure to a broad research program in biomedicine, genomics and evolution.
• Full-time position with a competitive salary based on experience, with opportunities for progression as the project advances.
• Expected start date: As soon as possible.

Candidate profile

• A degree in biomedicine, biology, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, or related fields.
• Strong interest in endocrine cell physiology, metabolism and translational research.
• Laboratory experience in cell culture, tissue models.
• Animal experimentation experience is desirable but not mandatory.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team.

Application procedure

Interested candidates should submit:

1. A motivation letter (max. 1 page).
2. Curriculum Vitae.
3. At least one referee letter.

Please send applications to Dr. Jonàs Juan-Mateu ([Please click the Apply button for the link or address]) and Dr. Manuel Irimia
(manuel.irimia@upf.edu).

Tagged as: Life Sciences